06/11/2026
The No. 3-seeded Blackford 8U Bruins upset No. 2-seeded Monroe Central Gold 15-11 to earn a spot in the tournament championship game.
Blackford showed their resilience on offense, fighting back all game from behind before a six-run sixth inning propelled them to a 15-11 lead. The team got big hits in key moments from Bristol Strine, Brayleigh Dudding, Marlee Bell, and Emma Burns. Tinley Dick and and Rylee Dalton also had solid hitting performances with 3 hits a piece.
The Bruins’ defense found its rhythm as the game unfolded, turning in one solid defensive play after another. The team was able to make 13 outs on the evening including two double plays. In the bottom of the sixth inning, Brayleigh Dudding made a huge defensive play, catching the ball at first base and stepping on the bag for a momentum-shifting double play. Emma Burns then sealed the victory, fielding a ground ball at pitcher and firing to first base to record the game’s final out.
The growth of the Blackford 8U bruins has been remarkable. After posting a 1-6 record in Tri-County League play last season, seven returning players and four new additions have helped propel the team into tonight’s Tri County League Tournament Championship Game at Delta, with first pitch set for 6 p.m. against Portland.
